POISONOUS HOUSE & GARDEN PLANTSPOISONOUS HOUSE & GARDEN PLANTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Oleander ( usually fatal; cats highly attracted to it )
Rhododendron
Holly
Lantana
Pine needles
Dumb cane (Diefenbachia)
Jerusalem Cherry
Snow-on-the-mountain
Hydrangea
Sheep laurel
Azalea
Elephant Ear (Caladium)
Crown of thorns
Laurel
Bittersweet
Mistletoe
English ivy
Also, flower bulbs such as :
Narcissus
Daffodil
Hyacinth
Amaryllis ( will upset a cat's digestion but will probably do no serious damage.)
Boxwood
Andromeda
Lily-of-the-valley
Privet
Monkshood
Daphne
Foxglove
Observe if your Cat starts displaying any strange symptoms such as:
Lethargy - weak and like in a "drugged" state
Confusion - doesn't recognize you or is agitated
Excessive Sleepiness or Grogginess
No Appetite or is Throwing up his food
Loud Cries and Coughing up
Although there may be other symptoms and these may not be directly related to poisoning, if you think your Cat has ingested anything poisonous, call your Vet immediately. Anything unusual or different about your Cats behavior should also be noted. Don't take any chances and always check with a Vet - It is better to be safe and have your Cat checked than waiting long before symptoms get worse. Cat usually will not express pain outwardly like humans and sometimes its hard to tell what's going on.
If you suspect your Cat may have ingested a poisonous plant, call your local Veterinarian right away. If one is not available or if it is after business hours, take your Cat to an Animal Emergency facility ASAP! If you know what your Cat has eaten, take a sample of it with you so the Vet can identify the treatment necessary. Do not try any home remedies ( such as aspirin, which can be fatal when administered improperly ) unless instructed to do so by the Vet. Most of all, try not to panic and make your Cat as comfortable as you can. You may need to put your Cat in a carrier ( for your own safety as Cats under stress may bite or scratch you unintentionally ) And remember, PREVENTION is the BEST way against any future mishaps.
If you must have poisonous plants in your household ( such as Mistletoe and Poinsettia during the holidays ) make sure they are HIGH up where your cats cannot get to them! Better yet, find other decorations or ways to spruce up your holidays without these deadly plants. Pine Needles from a Christmas tree is also poisonous if ingested - however your cats probably wont like them because of the sharpness, but they will probably take more to climbing the tree when you are away - just make sure the tree is secure and that you turn the lights off when you leave. Cats are always going to be curious so you must make sure there is no danger of the tree tipping over or the cat getting tangled up in the tree decorations - if you can arrange it, put your Xmas tree in the corner of the room or at least where one side is near a wall. Also, if you are not going to be away for long, put your cat ( and the catbox and food/water ) into another room until you get home. Just be sure there's plenty of ventilation and that its only for a short period of time. If you see your cat getting near the tree, scold it gently so that they will know that it is off limits to them. Contrary to popular belief, cats will remember what is okay and what is not, if done properly. The key is consistency!
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